Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where the person has difficulty in expelling stool due to hard feces. It is medically defined as fewer than passing three stools in one week. Severe constipation is when an individual passes one stool in one week.
Constipation happens when the colon has absorbed too much water from the food present in the colon (large bowel) thereby resulting in slow movement of food in the digestive tract leading to dry and hard feces.
Being a women, older adult and having a mental condition such as depression often puts one in high risk of getting chronic constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation
Fewer bowel movements
Lower abdominal/belly discomfort usually characterized with pain and bloating
A feeling that you still have to go again even after a bowel movement. The individual experiences trouble while going also known as straining to go. One feels that there is some blockage in the rectum that is preventing the bowel movements.
Hard, lumpy and small stools and stools that are difficult or painful to pass
Rectal bleeding or anal fissures caused by hard stools
Physiological distress and the individual feels like pressing the belly or trying fingers to remove stool from the bottom.
Causes of Constipation
Less intake of water and fiber in the diet is one of the main cause of getting constipated.
Not being physically active, resisting the urge to poop, being in stress also leads to constipation
Taking lots of dairy products, taking certain medication, antacid medicines with calcium and even overuse of laxatives often lead to constipation
Other causes may include high levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, underactive thyroid. Hormonal disorders leads to chronic constipation.
Having problems with nerves and muscles in the digestive system is another reason for getting constipated.
The two main disorders limited to the colon that cause constipation are colonic inertial and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment of Severe Constipation: Home Remedies
Treatment of constipation can be done by diagnosing the cause of constipation which requires complete medical history of the patient, physical examination, blood tests, abdominal Xrays etc
The best home remedies that work in case of severe constipation is the use of sesame seeds. These seeds can be added in salads, cereals or put in the food like seasoning (after grinding them). Sesame seeds help in moisturizing the intestines as they have oily composition. There will be no longer dry, hard stools.
Another simple and easy home remedy to avoid and treat constipation is having mint and ginger tea. Peppermint and ginger can be boiled together in warm water to prepare this tea. Menthol present in peppermint has antispasmodic effect and helps in relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract. Ginger helps in generating more heat in the body thereby speeding up the sluggish digestion. One can also take Dandelion tea as a laxative and detoxifier.
The most ancient remedy that has been passed down from generations is the use of Castor Oil in treating constipation. One can take 1 to 2 spoons of castor oil on empty stomach. Castor oil is a natural laxative. It stimulates the large and the small intestines.
One teaspoon of blackstrap molasses before going to be bed helps in relieving constipation. Blackstrap molasses has magnesium which helps a lot in relieving constipation. You can add molasses in warm water or tea to dilute the taste .
Having prunes and prune juice on regular basis helps in treating severe constipation. Prunes are high in fiber and sorbitol. As the fiber and sorbitol moves along the intestines, they collect water which softens fecal matter. A glass of prune juice or having 3 prunes a day really helps.
It is advised to try a spoon of olive oil before eating breakfast. The olive oil stimulates the digestive tract, lubricates the bowels and provides antioxidant protection to the body. It is considered to be healthy fat. You may mix some lemon juice to olive oil for flavor.
Another very effective home remedy is mixing one spoon of baking soda in a one forth cup of warm water. The mixture not only relieves constipation but also helps in relieving pain associated with symptoms of constipation. Baking soda neutralizes the acid in the stomach. It helps in releasing the gas in the stomach.
Two teaspoons of Epsom salt in a glass of water or any juice is also a very effective and easy home remedy to help in softening the stools so they are easier to pass. Epsom salts aids bowel muscles to contract.
Taking probiotics (yogurt and kefir) helps in healthy bowel movements. There is increased frequency, better stool consistency when one takes probiotics daily.
Herbs like flax seeds, psyllium, fenugreek, senna, aloe, slippery elm and buckthorn are useful in treating constipation.
Certain life style changes helps in avoiding chronic constipation. These include:
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Drinking plenty of fluids. One needs to drink two to four extra glasses of water every day. Prefer drinking warm liquids in the morning (warm water with lemon and honey, herbal tea and even coffee). One needs to cut back on dairy products and too much caffeine.
High fiber diet like beans is recommended for chronic constipation. Fresh fruits especially cherries, apricots, berries, apples and pears are very helpful in relieving constipation.
One needs to include vegetables like broccoli, legumes and whole grain bread in the diet. Prunes, raisins, figs and barn cereal are very helpful. Nuts and avocadoes all contain healthy fats which helps in lubricating the intestines and ease constipation.
Magnesium rich foods like spinach, fish are beneficial as adequate magnesium intake directs water to the bowels leading to softer stools which are easier to move.
It is very important to do some exercise daily. As when the body moves, the muscles in the intestine get more active. One needs to go to the bathroom whenever they feel the urge.